Valentine’s Day in LA

If you haven’t already heard, it’s the month of love, and romance is in the air. Whether you’re in love or single this Valentine’s Day, there’s lots of fun activities for you to engage in around LA.

For the couple, Valentine’s Day is the day to show your significant other how much they mean to you. Instead of a basic dinner date, do something special!

1. Huntington Harbour Sunset Gondola Ride
Few people know about the canal system in Huntington, just a few towns south of Venice Beach. You can surprise your loved one by taking him/her on a romantic gondola ride around the harbour. You’ll be provided with a blanket, wine glasses, and an ice bucket. Bring your own food and drinks with you! Think of it as a picnic, but on a boat…at sunset. The company has a Valentine’s Day special that includes an hour-long gondola ride, a red rose, and a mini photoshoot. This is worth $150 and is available February 12-14th. There are different add-ons like flowers and chocolate covered fruit to make your date even more special.

2. A night at the Chateau Marmont
The Chateau Marmont is a literal castle-hotel tucked away in the Hollywood Hills. The perfect place to cuddle up with that special someone! It’s known for their luxurious veranda and garden terrace where they serve breakfast. There are many different room options from the basic hotel room, garden cottage, hillside bungalow or penthouse. This hotel is a celeb go-to, everyone from Lindsay Lohan to Led Zeppelin has stayed here. Oh did we forget to mention the rooms are all sound proof? This is the perfect LA V-day getaway.

3. Diamonds: Rare Brilliance Exhibition
Here’s a creative way to add some diamonds to your partner’s life without spending the big bucks: take him/her to the Natural History Museum’s Gem and Mineral Vault. The exhibition displays four of the rarest colorful diamond masterpieces found in nature. Learn about the incredible components of gemstones and how the combination of chemistry and light give them such brilliant color.

4. Lady and the Tramp Screening
Ah we all know that legendary spaghetti kiss is #couplegoals. Nothing sets the mood more than dinner and a show. Take your loved one to see a screening of Lady and the Tramp at El Capitan in Hollywood, and you can also get a candlelit dinner prior to the screening. Dinner is catered by Miceli’s, sold separately from the movie screening. Call 818-845-3110 if you want to include dinner!

5. Road Trip to Big Sur
Road trips are the best way to get closer to your significant other. Big Sur is about a 6 hour drive from the LA area. It’s known for being one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Big Sur is where the redwood filled mountains reach the sea. The drive up to Big Sur is on a road carved into the mountains. Make sure to stop by Morro Bay or Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo. There you two can go for a swim or soak up the sun. Also look for signs for elephant seals! Take the drive up Highway 1, park your car wherever the best view is, and walk down a trail to the beach. Beware of poison oak – nothing romantic about that. Eek!

If you’re single, Valentine’s Day is not a day to be sad, but to celebrate your freedom!

1. Illiza: The Confirmed Kills Tour
Go with some friends to see the Illiza Schlesinger Confirmed Kills Tour. She’s performing at the Wilshire Ebell Theater on V-Day! This stand up comedian is absolutely hilarious, and has very strong opinions on dating that are sure to leave you in tears of laughter.

2. Say Cheese
What’s better than love? Cheese, obviously. Attend the celebration ‘L.A.’s Grilled Cheese Meltdown’. Not only do you get to sample grilled cheeses, you also get beer from Angel City Brewery. Grilled cheese competitors are: the Grilled Cheese Truck, Richeeze, Catcher in the Rye, The Carving Board, Fred 62 and the Walrus & the Hedgehog, along with tomato soup from Tender Greens.

3. First Date
If you’re going on a first date on Valentine’s Day, that’s ballsy af. BUT this first date spot is sure to break the ice. Misfit in Santa Monica is the perfect place for day drinking; they’re known for having one of the best happy hour deals in Los Angeles. They’re specialty cocktails are half price from noon to 7 everyday! Get loose with your date while sipping on some margs by the beach. If that’s not a perfect first date we don’t know what is.

4. Santa Monica Valentine’s Day Bar Crawl
This bar crawl goes through the best bars in downtown Santa Monica, all of which are within walking distance. Tickets come with drink specials at participating bars for all pub crawl attendees. Great drink deals + great people = a great time! Bar crawls are always a fan favorite, so don’t miss out!

5. Galentine’s Day outing
Who needs boys anyway?! Do something fun with your girlfriends. Fifty Shades Darker, the Fifty Shades of Grey sequel comes out February 10th and is the perfect place for a girl’s night activity on Valentine’s Day. Def go see it if you’re into sultry drama/S&M romance.